-
took inner construction out of bathing
suits;
-
was the first modern designer to combine
bold, clashing colors;
-
used fabric in unexpected ways -- workmen's
shirts in chiffon or mechanics' coats in silk;
-
designed the first knitted tube dresses;
-
was the first to use cut-outs in clothes
(portholes in bathing suits and dresses);
-
was the first to use vinyl and plastic in
clothes;
-
adapted "street fashions," such as the
"leather look," and applied them to fashion;
-
mixed patterns, such as stripes, checks,
and dots, in one outfit;
-
developed ethnic and workmen's clothes into
fashion;
-
introduced androgyny -- men's suits, hats,
etc., on women;
-
designed the topless swimsuit, which freed
women's fashion;
-
designed the first see-through clothes;
-
designed the first soft, transparent bra --
the "no-bra" bra;
-
invented "body clothes" based on leotards
and tights;
-
designed the first stockings to match or go
with a dress;
-
originated the "total look," which
interrelated everything from underwear to hats, gloves, and shoes;
-
introduced the military look;
-
used hardware (zippers, dog leash clasps,
etc.) as decoration;
-
did the first designer jeans;
-
developed trompe l'oeil clothes (a dress
that looked like three pieces but was really one, etc.);
-
invented the "uni-sex" look (clothing that
could be worn by both men and women -- skirts for men, etc.);
-
designed the "thong," the first bathing
suit to be cut high on the thighs and expose the buttocks;
-
was the first to design men's underwear for
women;
-
designed the first bathing suit to expose
pubic hair, the "pubikini."
